UPDATED Woman escapes from car trunk in Wetaskiwin, four arrested

Wetaskiwin RCMP have arrested four people in relation to a bizarre incident where a woman escaped from a car trunk last week.

According to Wetaskiwin RCMP spokesperson Cst. Christine Hepburn, “Following an alleged kidnapping which was reported on July 25, and the arrest of three suspects in Edmonton on July 26, the Wetaskiwin RCMP have laid charges, and are seeking the whereabouts of a fifth suspect.

“On July 26, three suspects were taken into custody at a residence in Edmonton. Investigative members from Wetaskiwin General Investigation Section (GIS), Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit and Maskwacis Community Response Unit worked together, along with Edmonton Police Service, to investigate the incident, and the suspects involved.

“A search warrant was obtained for the residence in Edmonton and a search was executed. The suspect vehicle was seized for forensic examination. Three out of five suspects were arrested and taken into custody. A fourth suspect was identified, and arrested on July 27 in Wetaskiwin.

“All above accused were remanded. Kayla Saddleback was scheduled for a court appearance on July 31 in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court, while Lynita Buffalo, Alexandra Rain and Evan Rain are scheduled for court in Wetaskiwin on August 2.

“27-year-old Catlin Owen Ermineskin has not been located by the RCMP. A warrant for his arrest has been issued. He is facing charges of kidnapping with a firearm, pointing a firearm and assault causing bodily harm as well as two counts of fail to comply with conditions of an undertaking.

Ermineskin is described as First Nations, 5’10” tall and 150 lbs.

The Wetaskiwin RCMP are seeking public assistance in locating Catlin Ermineskin. It is believed that he may be dangerous given the nature of the offence alleged. If you have any information relating to his whereabouts, please contact the Wetaskiwin RCMP at 780-312-7200, or call your local police detachment. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS

ORIGINAL STORY

Wetaskiwin RCMP are investigating a bizarre and disturbing situation of a woman who escaped from a vehicle’s trunk.

According to Wetaskiwin RCMP spokesperson Cst. Christine Hepburn, “On July 25 Wetaskiwin RCMP responded to an injured female at the Wetaskiwin Car and Truck Wash. It was reported the female was hiding inside of a maintenance room alleging she had been kidnapped and attacked by someone with a firearm.

“Police determined that the female had been held inside a vehicle trunk of a Ford Fusion and escaped at the car wash. The vehicle fled the scene in an unknown direction. RCMP did not locate the vehicle or the suspects at that time.

“On July 26 the vehicle was located at a residence around the area of 116 Street and 130 Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta by Edmonton Police Service. With the assistance of the Edmonton Police Service three individuals were taken into custody. No charges have been laid at this time.

“The RCMP do not feel this was a random incident and the individuals involved were known to each other. There is no indication of any ongoing public safety concern.

“An update will be provided when available. The Wetaskiwin RCMP General Investigations Section continue to investigate this incident.”